Over the past eight years I have gained extensive experience of helping students achieve success at all levels, including receiving offers from top independent schools and Cambridge University. I specialise in A-level, IB and pre-U tuition, having a thorough knowledge of the different syllabuses, exam formats, concepts and methods. I have hundreds of hours' experience working with students in regular weekly lessons to complement their studies, in small study groups and short term focused revision or interview preparation. I find that the sooner gaps in knowledge and understanding can be addressed the better so that in the build up to exams the focus can shift to past paper practice. I have also worked with talented students who are looking for an extra challenge, tailoring a programme of study for them that goes beyond what they would learn at school.

Biography

I have always had a broad range of academic interests and studied A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Economics, Fine Art and AS Physics, achieving high A grades in each subject. After attaining the highest grades (S - Outstanding) on the STEP II and STEP III papers required for entry into Cambridge, I attended Pembroke College, Cambridge, and graduated in 2007 with a First class degree in Mathematics.

While at university I developed a strong desire to make a positive impact in the world and so continued on to study an MSc in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London, including courses in Anthropology, Politics and Macroeconomics. I was awarded a high Merit and since then have worked in roles in research, finance and direct marketing in the non-profit sector, alongside tutoring. I have a passion for learning myself and believe that to be an infectious quality that is one of my strongest assets as a tutor.

Personal Approach

My approach is driven by the student. I believe that with a base understanding of core concepts and the self-confidence to employ them, every student is capable of academic success. I work collaboratively with parents and pupils to produce a programme of study which is tailored to the needs of the individual student, set goals and structure the tuition.

I am passionate and enthusiastic about learning and teaching and bring this positive outlook to every lesson. I make my lessons fun and engaging, introducing core theoretical concepts and working with students to apply these to problems. I encourage my students to ask questions, try things out and think out loud. I set homework which is then discussed the following week.

I am patient, empathic and have a good intuitive understanding of how and why students may not understand something. This enables me to communicate complex, abstract ideas in a simple, accessible way that ‘clicks’ with the student.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I have been studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and am entering into my final year in September 2015. I find that this has benefited my tutoring immensely in my ability to be calm and patient, empathise with each student's unique difficulties and develop the rapport which is so crucial. Outside of this I am also working in a freelance capacity on a statistical mapping of international philanthropic efforts to protect the environment and mitigate climate change. I am also a keen runner, cyclist and hiker and try to get into the great outdoors whenever I can.

Testimonials

"My daughter was particularly thrilled to get 100% for the vectors paper!!" Mother of previous A Level student.

"I got the grade I needed for Imperial. I was six UMS marks off an A*". Previous A Level student.

"We just wanted to let you know that my son got 100 from both modules. We are very pleased." Mother of previous A Level student.

"Philip was absolutely delightful and my daughter felt his tuition was really helpful. He was clear and patient at explaining things, very focussed. And we loved having him to stay. Many thanks indeed for sending us yet another lovely tutor."

''I passed!!! Thank you so much for all your help and support! I really could not have done it without you and I learnt so much from you!'' (Laurion, QTS Numeracy)

''Phil is a patient and calm tutor who also has a fun sense of humour and really helped Kate to understand the concepts that she was struggling with.'' (Mother of AS level student)